Domaine Grand Veneur, Châteauneuf du Pape Rouge, Vieilles Vignes, Southern Rhône, France, 2019

Producer Profile

Christophe and Sébastien Jaume have now taken over from their father Alain and have carefully expanded the domaine.

The range is exceptional and equally superb in white as in red. ‘La Fontaine’ is consistently one of the best white Châteauneuf and ‘Les Origines’ delivers the appropriate class for a premium cuvée with many international accolades. There is no weak wine here and the well-priced Côtes du Rhône is produced from a vineyard situated only meters away from the famous Château Beaucastel.

Viticulture

Yields are naturally low, and the grapes are incredibly concentrated. Situated in the northern sector of the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation. The Vieilles Vignes cuvée comprises the oldest plots on the estate. Over time, and thanks to organic viticulture, the roots have grown deep into the soil. Yields are naturally low, and the grapes are incredibly concentrated.

Winemaking

Hand-picked, bunch by bunch. Total destemming, long 25-day vatting period with regular punching of the cap. Aged 16 months, 40% in concrete vats and 60% in new and 1-year-old French oak barrels (Tronçais origin).

Tasting Note

Opaque, almost black colour. The nose reveals aromas of black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry) mixed with spices, dried herbs and roasted coffee. Great aromatic complexity. As a young wine, spices and ripe fruit appear on a woody-vanilla base, with plenty of fine tannins. The finish is very long. An exceptional Châteauneuf-du-Pape expressing the quintessence of its terroir.

Food Matching

Braised ox cheeks with mashed potato, Rack of Lamb with Beetroot and Celariac, Papadelle with Harissa.